Need LinkSys Router Advice

[FattyLumpkin]

Hi. I am about to ask what is probably a newbie question, but that is because I have no idea about this stuff.

The router works well most of the time. All my games work except this new one...Dungeon Siege. I can not join any multiplayer game or an IP address over the internet. The only other thing is that I can not send my friend files via ICQ but can do text msg fine (he is also behind a router).

I've read two things that I am about to try but am unsure and thought I would ask around a little. 1) Update firmware. I have never done this but am paranoid eep! 2) Install the new DirectX8.1. I read that this might help. True?

PS: Could it be a matter of opening ports? If so, how do you do that?

Thanks for any help you can offer :)

Windows ME
Linksys BEFSR41 Router (4 ports)
Road Runner Cable Modem
Gateway (blah)

[LinkSys101]

actually you are perfectly correct, you need to forward the ports of the game that you want to play on the router. in order for the NAT not to filter it

[Greenstead]

Here's a list of ports for different apps:
http://practicallynetworked.com/sharing/app_port_list.htm

However, Dungeon Siege is not listed there yet.

Check this article by M$ for the ports
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320020